N.S. lobster dealer granted bail in buyer intimidation case

A 65-year-old lobster dealer from southwest Nova Scotia has been granted bail after being charged with several counts of intimidation linked to the industry. Eric David Thibault, along with his son, was arrested last week following allegations that they threatened a lobster buyer whose home near Meteghan, N.S., was shot up days earlier. Thibault also faces previous charges, including threatening a lobster fisherman who was seeking to change buyers and three counts of witness intimidation from January involving two individuals at the harbour in Meteghan.

During a court appearance in Yarmouth, N.S., Crown and defense lawyers reached an agreement on Thibault’s release pending trial. As part of his bail conditions, Thibault agreed to deposit $20,000 in cash, maintain good behavior, and reside at a home in Little Brook, N.S. He is prohibited from having any contact with nine individuals, visiting their homes or workplaces, or interacting with any employee of the Meteghan Harbour Authority.

Additionally, Thibault is barred from accessing dozens of fishing wharves, almost every lobster wholesaler in the province, and any federally incorporated wharf or small craft harbor. The only exception is his ability to work at Wedgeport Lobster Ltd., as confirmed by the company’s president, Reg LeBlanc. LeBlanc clarified that the allegations do not pertain to Wedgeport Lobster and that Thibault is acting independently.

Thibault’s son, Zacharie David Thibault, is also implicated in the Nov. 27 incident and faces charges related to intimidating lobster buyer Geoffrey Jobert. The duo allegedly attempted to coerce Jobert into not purchasing from a specific fisherman, although they are not connected to the shooting at Jobert’s residence in Mavillette the previous weekend.

Following his arrest, Zacharie Thibault was charged with threatening to kill Jobert in March, attempting to extort him in the summer, harassing him, and pressuring him not to buy lobster from a particular fisherman. Zacharie Thibault remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for further proceedings. The case continues to unfold as the legal system addresses the alleged intimidation within the lobster industry in Nova Scotia.